TIPS & INFORMATION
Please print out
this form and use for planning your wedding.
The Southern Bride® Wedding Planner
Southern Bride asked, "What is the most useful tool for planning your wedding?" Brides-to-be told us that a good checklist was the basis for all their coordination. Here is a guide to help you through the details and timetables involved in planning your wedding. You may find that some of these reminders don't apply, or that your special wedding plans may require additions to the list. Use this as a good place to begin your planning and tailor it to your own needs.
Six Months or More
__Announce engagement in local
newspapers
__Select wedding date
__Establish budget and style of wedding and reception
__Develop a record keeping system
__wedding planner, organizer or computer program
__Hire a wedding consultant
__Compile guest list
__Visit wedding and reception sites and interview caterers and florists
__Reserve both wedding and reception sites
__Choose attendants
__Book a Caterer
__Book an Officiant
__Select and order bridal gown and accessories
__Select groom's attire
__Select attendant gowns and tuxedos
__Book Florist florist and caterer will work closely together to create
the style of wedding you choose
__Book Photographer and Videographer
__Plan and book honeymoon trip
__Decide upon and book music for wedding and reception - interview
bands or DJ services for the reception select special music for the walk
down the aisle and the first dance.
Four To Six Months
__Register for Gifts
__Order stationery, thank-you notes, invitations, envelopes, response
cards, place cards
__Book Calligrapher
__Select Wedding and Groom's Cake
__Arrange transportation for wedding party
__Arrange accommodations for out-of-town guests
__Select and purchase wedding rings
__Decide upon favors for wedding guests and welcome gifts for out-of-town
guests
__Purchase attendant gifts, parent gifts, and gifts for each other
__Arrangements for the rehearsal dinner and rehearsal time should be made
Two to Four Months
__Meet with officiant to discuss
details of the ceremony
__Details of the menu should be complete with the caterer
__Begin addressing wedding invitations and announcements
__Plan bridesmaids' party
__Schedule a consultation with hair and make-up experts
One to Two Months
__Mail Invitations
__Buy guest book
__Make appointments with doctor for blood test (if required to obtain
marriage license)
__Obtain marriage license
__Choose final music selections
__Have final bridal gown and headpiece fitting
__Arrange final fittings for bridesmaids' dresses and groomsmen's tuxedos
__Confirm honeymoon reservations
__Pickup wedding rings and proof engraving
__Discuss details with florist, caterer, photographer, videographer, and
baker
__Write thank-you notes as gifts arrive
__Complete proper documents if you are changing your name
__Open a joint account if doing so
__Send change of address form to post office and make moving arrangements
if appropriate
__Purchase and clothing or travel accessories needed for honeymoon
__Purchase any bridal accessories needed - shoes, lingerie, stockings,
jewelry, etc.
One to Two Weeks
__Finalize seating arrangements
and place cards
__Pick up wedding gown and attendants' attire
__Pack for your honeymoon - make kennel arrangements for pet
__Confirm all travel arrangements - obtain travelers' checks
__Attend bridesmaids' party
__Have beauty treatments
__Confirm transportation
__Assign duties to bridal party - corsages, boutonnieres, guest book,
etc.
One Day
__Have manicure and pedicure
__Attend and enjoy wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
__Greet out-of-town guests
__Pack everything you will need at the wedding site _ (emergency items
such as safety pins are a good idea) __Give designated person officiant
fee envelope with instructions
Wedding Day
__Breakfast - eat something
light but nutritious
__Appointments for both hair and make-up
__Allow three hours to dress and relax
__Give groom's ring to best man
__Wedding party should arrive at the wedding site an hour to an hour and
half before the ceremony to allow sufficient time for photography
__Mail or give gifts to parents as a way of saying thank you
Breathe:
Personal Notes:
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